Merab Dvalishvili Targets Petr Yan Rematch

UFC Bantamweight Champion Merab Dvalishvili (20-4-0), who defends his title against Cory Sandhagen at UFC 320 on October 4, is eying a rematch against Petr Yan (19-5-0) before the year is out.

Dvalishvili enters his title defense vs Sandhagen with a win over Sean O’Malley at UFC 316 in June, which was his second win over the American from whom he took the belt. It was the second defense of his title, having beaten Umar Nurmagomedov in the fight before at UFC 311 in January. Dvalishvili has already beaten Yan by unanimous, decision back May 2023, but says he feels the number 3 ranked fighter deserves the rematch for the belt. Since losing to Dvalishvili , Yan has bounced back with three wins beating Song Yadong, Deiveson Figueiredo and Marcus McGhee, all by unanimous decision.

“If I win, I want to turn around quick and fight in December. I will ask the UFC for a favour to give me another fight in December or even November. Petr Yan is the clear contender right now. He deserves it. I don’t want to make him wait too long,” Merab said